Change Your Image
fredwilharm
Reviews
Bigger Than the Game (2018)
A little movie with a lot of heart
Warrior Pride is a well executed addition to the "Faith based sports" genre. The couple who are the lead actors (with the wife directing and editing) did an amazing job with what I'm guessing was a small budget. It was obvious only when there were sparse crowds at the games though.
I was really impressed with the acting, especially that of "T" and his mom. The scene where he (spoiler alert) rejoins the team later in the film is a tear jerker. I don't know if the mom is a professional actress, but she should be. She really sold the "drunk/high/uncaring" mother character. The film has a satisfying ending and is a great example of how in a movie, story triumphs over all else.
Stadium Anthems (2018)
Sendup of the post Napster music industry
Stadium Anthems is a dark indie satirical sendup of the post Napster music industry with absolutely no holds barred. Well directed with a diverse cast of characters. Asks compelling questions about whether the public should have to pay for media or get it for free.
Elephants (2018)
What an indie rom-com should be!
Plenty of authentic chemistry between the leads helps sell the film. Nice score and cinematography. The movie is a roller coaster and goes from laughter to sadness in seconds. If you like the romantic comedy genre, it's a must see!
We Make Movies (2016)
Lots of laughs in this one!
I'm about twice the age of these filmmakers and with an age difference that large, humor usually gets lost in the translation. But I have to give it to them- they managed to pull off something really funny even when "budget challenged". The amateur filmmaking is what makes it funny- a "gaffer" swinging around huge living room lamp, the director explaining that he thinks a gaffer is someone who lightens up the atmosphere of a film set, Mom bringing a tray of cupcakes into the garage where they are shooting, and "craft services" ALWAYS being frozen corn dogs. I especially liked the "ac-TOR" (recruited from the multiplex due to his cinema experience) insisting on a trailer and being provided a U-Haul in the driveway. Anyone who has ever tried to make a film on the cheap can identify and will get a lot of laughs out of this one.
Transition (2018)
Tragic but endearing
While not the fastest moving drama, Transition is an emotionally charged love story that examines losing a loved one in a different lens. Beautifully shot with very cinematic interludes and a wonderful performance by the lead actress. A must see for indie romance...
Racing Colt (2018)
A personal assistant's worst nightmare
"Racing Colt" is a very gripping story of a washed up action hero who gets a second chance to star in a major film years after his popularity has waned. Eerily similar to Kristofferson in appearance and mannerisms, the lead actor David Atkinson takes the complex character of Colt Racer and runs with it. Well shot and directed and well worth your time.
Ice Breaker (2017)
A unique indie rom-com with a twist
A lighthearted, quirky comedy with likable characters and a talented lead actor. Embarrassing situations abound and he takes them all in stride as he plods through life trying to develop his app while temporarily living in a hostel and learnign to relate to girls. Austin TX provided an excellent backdrop for the film.
Dance Baby Dance (2018)
Aspiring dancers will love it
Not many films these days are suitable for the whole family, but Dance Baby Dance is for everyone. It's also a great watch for aspiring dancers who are following their dreams. While it may be lacking from a technical standpoint, but makes up for it in heart.
Texas Heart (2016)
Watch 10 minutes, and then YOU decide
I watched a lot of indie films this week, including Texas Heart. I read all the good reviews and all the bad ones. I don't get the low reviews on this one. My barometer of a film is whether I can walk away from it part way through. Texas Heart wouldn't let me go get a snack, and that's an unusual thing. Some of the acting in the Southern town may seem exaggerated to those who don't live in one- but I live in a place where when you move in, someone may very well turn up on your front porch with a home backed pecan pie. The cinematography was top notch and the editing and pacing was spot on. A few weaknesses as in any indie film, but well worth your time to watch.
North of the City (2016)
Very engaging film...
I suspect that North of the City was made on a shoestring, but it has 3 things that offset that -story, story, and story. The script is solid , as is the core cast. I saw no bad acting outside of a character or two with a small part. The strong storyline held my attention for an hour and 25 minutes- not an easy thing to do, I'm very easily lost. Kudos to the director for also playing a main character and later editing the film. One of the more enjoyable indie films I've watched. Several good action sequences too.
Karate in Ontario: The Uphill Battle. The Cost of Raising a Champion (2016)
An insightful look into the world of Karate
The producer interviewed multiple Karate experts and students for this film, giving the outsider a look into that world. I especially found the historical aspect interesting- it covered not only Canada but US Karate history. Anyone with an interest in this martial art would find the documentary useful.
One Step Behind (2015)
Spaghetti Western?
Reminiscent of the Spaghetti westerns of yore, One Step Behind is an unusual and unpredictable thriller with a distinct Western theme. It has some talented lead actors and a very stylized colorization scheme. If Westerns are your thing, give it a try.
Let's Kill Grandpa (2017)
A bit quirky and definitely different
While dark comedy isn't my genre, I can see that those who like it will love "Let's Kill Grandpa". The love story between Grandpa and the least likely family member was a bit out there, but there are definitely some laugh out loud moments elsewhere. "Grandpa" was an excellent casting choice.
Broken Ceiling (2018)
This is what an indie movie should be!
Shot primarily in one location and with a tiny cast, Broken Ceiling wastes little time on setup and gets right to the punch, which is a corporate conference call that lasts for most of the film. It's what happens during that call that grabs you by the shirt collar and won't let go. The casting is excellent and the film has a bleak yet polished look. Plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep you hanging. Don't miss it!
Dirty Beautiful (2015)
Mild mannered boy meets wild child girl
Two people couldn't be more opposite, and that's what makes this story of a screenwriter wannabe and an un apologetically wild girl work. Great casting and excellent cinematography.